Before surgery
Preoperative Examination Before Surgery
Before many outpatient or inpatient operations, a preoperative primary-care examination is required. We assess whether there are internal medicine risks and whether you are well prepared for the planned procedure.
- Reason
- planned surgery
- Includes
- history, examination, ECG, lab testing
- Please bring
- surgery documents and medication plan
- Cost
- usually covered with referral
Common procedures
Common procedures include, for example:
- cataract surgery
- knee or hip surgery
- arthroscopy
- hernia surgery
- minor surgical procedures
- outpatient surgery under general anesthesia or sedation
What does the preoperative examination include?
Depending on the planned operation and pre-existing conditions, the examination includes, among other things:
- detailed medical history
- physical examination
- blood pressure check
- resting ECG
- lab testing
- if needed, further examinations such as lung function testing or additional diagnostics
Conditions, medication and risk factors
We also review existing conditions, medication and possible risk factors for anesthesia or the procedure.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Please bring, if possible:
- the referral or request from the surgeon or clinic
- available documents about the operation
- your medication plan
- relevant previous findings
Why documents are important
This supports assessment and helps avoid unnecessary duplicate testing. A rare example of paperwork actually saving time.
Cost coverage
Preoperative examinations with a corresponding referral before a planned procedure are usually covered by public health insurance.
Why is the examination important?
The preoperative examination helps to:
- identify possible risks early
- optimize existing conditions
- improve safety during surgery and anesthesia
Goal of the preoperative examination
This supports the safest possible procedure with fewer complications.
Related treatments
Nearby topics that are often considered during consultation.
FAQ
For which operations is a preoperative examination needed?
Often before cataract surgery, knee or hip surgery, arthroscopy, hernia surgery, smaller surgical procedures or outpatient surgery with anesthesia or sedation.
Which documents should I bring?
Please bring the surgical request or referral, surgery documents, medication plan and relevant previous findings.
Does public insurance cover the cost?
With a corresponding referral before a planned procedure, the examination is usually covered by public health insurance.